A series of relevant spatial datasets were compiled to construct an Agricultural Potential Index model which combines multiple criteria that influence agricultural suitability.  For more information on the Agriculutural Potential Index Model, please see the metadata link.

In 2017, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, Gaofen-1) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by: provincial crop insurance companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, & Quebec; point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, & the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and data collection supported by our regional AAFC Research and Development Centres in St. John’s, Kentville, Charlottetown, Fredericton, Guelph, and Summerland

In 2016, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, Gaofen-1) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by: provincial crop insurance companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, & Quebec; point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, & the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and data collection supported by our regional AAFC Research and Development Centres in St. John’s, Kentville, Charlottetown, Fredericton, Guelph, and Summerland.

In 2018, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8, Sentinel-2) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by: provincial crop insurance companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, & Quebec; point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture, & the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and data collection supported by our regional AAFC Research and Development Centres in St. John’s, Kentville, Charlottetown, Fredericton, Guelph, and Summerland

In 2022, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery for all Canadian provinces, in support of a national crop inventory. New this year, a map of the agricultural regions in the Yukon Territory was also produced. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8, Landsat-9,Sentinel-2), and radar (RCM) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by: provincialcrop insurance companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, & Quebec; point observations from the PEI Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change; Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; University of Guelph - Ridgetown campus; British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture; and data collection supported by our regional AAFC Research and Development Centres in St. John's, Kentville, Fredericton, Guelph, Summerland and Whitehorse.

In 2015, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by provincial crop insurance companies and point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and our regional AAFC colleagues.

In 2020, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8, Sentinel-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by: provincial crop insurance companies in Alberta, Manitoba, & Quebec; point observations from the PEI Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change; the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and data collection supported by our regional AAFC Research and Development Centres in St. John’s, Charlottetown, Fredericton, and Guelph. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, complete sampling coverages in NL, NS, NB and BC were not possible, as a result the general agriculture class (120) is found in these provinces in areas where there was no ground data collected.

In 2014, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by provincial crop insurance companies and point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and our regional AAFC colleagues.

In 2013, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) repeated the process of generating annual crop inventory digital maps using satellite imagery to for all of Canada, in support of a national crop inventory. A Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-8) and radar (RADARSAT-2) based satellite images, and having a final spatial resolution of 30m. In conjunction with satellite acquisitions, ground-truth information was provided by provincial crop insurance companies and point observations from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and our regional AAFC colleagues.

Understanding the state and trends in agriculture production is essential to combat both short-term and long-term threats to stable and reliable access to food for all, and to ensure a profitable agricultural sector. Starting in 2009, the Earth Observation Team of the Science and Technology Branch (STB) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) began the process of generating annual crop type digital maps. Focusing on the Prairie Provinces in 2009 and 2010, a Decision Tree (DT) based methodology was applied using optical (Landsat-5, AWiFS, DMC) and radar (Radarsat-2) based satellite images. Beginning with the 2011 growing season, this activity has been extended to other provinces in support of a national crop inventory. To date this approach can consistently deliver a crop inventory that meets the overall target accuracy of at least 85% at a final spatial resolution of 30m (56m in 2009 and 2010).